The Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mrs.Stefi Drakou, attended today the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament on the issue of the implementation of the measures and provisions resulting from the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.
In her statements at the end of the session, the Minister noted that. The Coordinating Body has already been established which will be responsible for monitoring, making recommendations, coordinating all agencies involved in the implementation of the Convention, evaluating the measures taken to prevent and combat all forms of violence included in this Convention. And I attach particular importance to the creation and operation of this body.
At the same time, we have made various steps, such as the establishment of Special Units within the Police, in all provinces, for more immediate and effective intervention.
We also proceeded with the establishment of the multidisciplinary "Women's House", which is staffed by well-trained personnel, which disciplines victims of gender-based violence and performs an excellent work.
A comprehensive legislative framework is in place and we do not need further legislation. What we need is a cultural change and this is an issue for the whole society, not just for women.
We need patience and perseverance. As a ministry we are funding actions organised by NGOs that come into contact with society and assist towards this goal.
It is a difficult task to change culture and attitudes, but with patience I believe that it will be achieved.
Because if we look at the facts that existed years ago compared to today, there is indeed an exponential change, which gives us the right to be optimistic."
The Minister then referred to the recent visit of the GREVIO Commission of the Council of Europe, which oversees and evaluates the actions and measures taken to address the issues of victims of gender-based violence under the Istanbul Convention.
As the Minister said, "It is with pleasure that we received the communication of the Commission's preliminary observations and findings, which welcomes the significant steps forward made in this direction. Both on the legislative framework and on the substantial administrative cuts and measures we have taken to support and protect victims of gender-based violence.
We look forward to the final findings and always GREVIO's recommendations are taken seriously. Through the Coordination Body, to which I attach great importance, we will study them and act accordingly.
We certainly have a long way to go, but we remain committed to the ultimate goal, which is the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention. What has been achieved gives us courage and strength to continue working in this direction."
In response to a reporter's question about a report that the special echelons created within the police force will be staffed only by women, the Minister clarified that the echelons will include a female police officer. The echelons will operate under protocols to activate all agencies involved and create an environment of complete confidentiality and security. At this point, she thanked the Deputy Minister, Ms. Anthousi, for the excellent cooperation that existed between the services in order to create channels of communication and to ensure continuous cooperation between the services.
She also pointed out that "one of the measures we have recently taken, in collaboration with the Chief of Police, is the revision of the protocols of the Police so that there is a step by step procedure for handling incidents of gender-based violence."
She also pointed out that "one of the measures we have recently taken, in collaboration with the Chief of Police, is the revision of the protocols of the Police so that there is a step by step procedure for handling incidents of gender-based violence. In this way, the victim will receive the right treatment in a climate of complete confidentiality and psychological support, so that he or she can enjoy the rights offered by the law."
In response to a reporter's question, she said that "there have been comments in the print press that you have moved to create all-female teams under the weight of the Englishwoman incident."
The Minister said that the revision of the protocols provides for the presence of a female police officer in all cases of gender-based violence against women. In addition to this, it is within the rights of the victim to be kept informed of her case. But more importance is attached to the guidance, psychological support and confidentiality provided to the victim. We need all agencies to act promptly, in a timely and coordinated manner so that the victim receives the necessary protection."
Finally, in response to a reporter's comment that since she gave instructions, went through the procedures, and talked about culture changes, does she think the average police officer has changed his or her culture or steps need to be taken and how she intends to move forward, especially after the English woman's case, the Minister stressed: "These tiers that we have set up in the police force are staffed by people with the right skills. Through the protocols, step by step, we ensure timely management so that victims can receive psychological support, or whatever other support they need at the exact moment the complaint is made. So yes, I answer your question, that those who will handle gender-based violence issues will be trained staff."
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